photos by Scott Frances for AD
As has been reported gossip blogs the world over, the March Architectural Digest features the lovely Jennifer Aniston on the cover and inside takes a tour of her renovated L.A. home. I finally found some photos online of it (with my ninja-like web surfing skills) and to be honest, I am surprised AND disappointed! This isn’t at all what I would picture her bachelorette pad to be- instead I think it looks like a BACHELOR pad (perhaps that’s the point? To not scare off men with copious amounts of femininity?) Quite the opposite to the lovely Colette’s single gal home we saw yesterday (to which there will be a follow up complete with sources, by the way! So glad you loved it as much as I did!)
I had fun pulling together what I personally imagine for Jen (since we’re tight and all). Something modern but with a more natural, light feel that references her devotion to yoga and love for the beach. What do you think?
Jen Aniston LR by elementsofstyleblog on Polyvore.com
I find her house to be boring, just like her. She has the same hair, same jeans, same black dress, every time I see her. She even always vacations in the same place for her birthday- Cabo. Seriously…. if you had all the money she doesn’t couldn’t you shake it up a bit?! And… she does the same character acting over and over and over. Have you seen her new movie preview… and the close-up of her face? She needs to seriously give up the cigarettes and sun. Because, they. have. caught. up.
The photos and description of the home in the magazine are a bit more interesting. The entrance to the home, the front doors and the koi pond, and the views are stunning.
You know what? It looks like Brad Pitt. He’s all into modern and sleek…not sayin they’re gettin back together (tabloid crazies), but this looks like his influence. I like a lil masculine but this looks like she doesn’t have her own style- I like what you picked for her much bettuh :)
Given Brad Pitt’s well-documented love for all things modern, I was expecting a total 180, a la Rachel Ashwell. I would have like to have seen a little more color and for it to be brighter.
But the view……………insane.
Thanks for posting this.
Not really my style, but I love the indoor-outdoor spaces. I can imagine a great party (the bar, the pool table) and just lounging by the fire. It strikes me as a kind of Don Draper-ish pad.
I bought the mag and was disappointed with it, too. Much more bachelor than bachelorette. The interiors seemed dark and moody to me. A few of the pics reminded me of the Rainforest Cafe!
I’m probably one of only a handful of people who is not a fan of Jen. I mean, she’s a’right, but I don’t get what all the Jen-BuzZ is all about-never have. I definitely thought she would have done something at least a lil’ feminine. It does look very Arc Diegest, huh? Erin, you are the best : )
Aside from the peonies on the desk in the bedroom, agreed – it’s a bachelor pad. But what a view!!!
I think it looks like a floor model. Perhaps not even her real home where she lives every day. So many severe, hard surfaces; stone and mortar, hard wood floors and walls. I definitely like your modern but softer take. Like I said…this seems to me more like her Hollywood Hills home for entertaining and magazine spreads…cause don’t we all have separate public and private homes????? Well and then of course our Malibu home for the summer, duh.
I think she’s a snooze, too. I do like this house, though, esp the outdoor spaces. The bar is awesome, in my opinion. Funny about the Rainforest Cafe, Dee!
ick, not a fan at all. of her OR of her house. she needs to hire you, stat!! inject some happiness into that bachelorette pad.
seriously…. not what i expected at all… the view of the pool is amazing but it does seem a tad masculine to me.
I was really interested to see her house when I first heard it would be in Arch Digest, but I was disappointed too. I’m a much bigger fan of what you designed, but I can’t say I wouldn’t take her pool or that view (or her body for that matter)!
I’m with you…a bit disappointed although I love the outdoor patio area. Your pics are much more ‘her’ in my mind….as if I know.
Great post Erin!
Ummm…that would work on me. Just sayin’ if she is trying to trap herself a man…this helps.
Erin, Thanks for the sneak peek! I had been looking on the internet for the images as well. Where is the gong and the dining room that seats 24? I like the style, but for a single gal, the dark colors would make me want to do nothing but curl up on the indoor/outdoor chairs by the fire and stare at the view with a bottle of wine every night. Not exactly the way to get a good man. But then again, maybe thats what she has settled for after the past couple of relationships! Thanks again for the great post!
I see what you are saying…I remember in that first article after THE breakup the interviewer describing her temporary Malibu home as super plush and fluffy and white. Like a big white hug, perhaps? I kind of dig this, yes it is bachelor pad-y, but I think of it less because frills will scare off a man and more cause she just don’t give a hoot anymore and wants to have swanky parties and wild flings and live. it. up. Because masculine or not, it IS quite sexy, no?
This was not what I expected. I am definitely not a fan of all the cold, hard surfaces and dark colors. Her bff Courtney Cox is really into design. It doesn’t look like she gave her any pointers here.
I didn’t read the article so I don’t know how much of architectural features were there when she moved in–stone fireplace, panelled walls, etc. The furniture does go with the overall look of the house. And I think her taste in design probably was influenced by her marriage to Brad Pitt. But I get zero femininity from this home at all. It’s possible to still do neutral and modern but still keep it sexy.
Yeah, your interpretation of her space is what I would have thought for her as well. I’m definitely not feeling her home, except for those views!
i do NOT like this at all. i was picturing her home to be lighter, brighter and a little more feminine. i knew it wouldnt be too girly, because that is not her style, but this looks JUST like how i would have imagined brad pitt to design it.
I like the big open spaces and indoor/outdoor connections. Who did this interior? The colors in the spaces don’t really go together- especially the first picture with an orange painting and different colored woods. The bedroom is a turnoff- it looks really dated. This doesn’t represent Jennifer Aniston- I wish she could be herself more.
Jennifer Aniston’s life has become a cliche and so is this home. I do think that the paparazzi have go too far but if you constantly parade yourself on 4 to 5 magazine covers a year and say, “I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay….” We get it, Jennifer. You’re okay being single, 40 years old, with no children. You’re okay that Brad and Angelina have their own soccer team. You’re okay that you have a rocking bady. But for God’s sake… enough.
This pad is quite swanky but it does seem a little too obvious. This is the equivalent of going to someone’s wedding wearing a red dress cut down to there. It screams mantrap. I can just see John Mayer hanging out by the pool table and saying, “Hey Babe, the guys need a few more Buds. Can you be a gem and get them?” After he leaves with his entourage, she can go out to her patio, pour a glass of red wine, stare at the view, and tell herself that “I’m okay.”
Boring. Though I think you, Erin, might be on to something here – design bloggers of the world unite and pull together inspiration boards featuring a softer, more liveable, relaxing looking for this woman! What am I saying…she has all the money in the world. If this is what she wants, whatev. Definitely not what I would choose. And if I was her designer, I would do my best to steer her in a different direction. But then again, it goes back to “if this is what she wants…”
By the way – Erin I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! :)
Oh ChicityKitty, think you hit the nail on the head. And I’ve been that girl. Ouch.
I quite liked it – but not for me. That’s probably because I’ve done my time as the ‘I’m okay’ girl.
My guess is that its quite hard to do anything else with all that interior stone – it can only be a moody sexy interior. Or a horrible ‘adult movie set’ interior. If those were my choices, I’d have to pick the ‘I’m-okay-no-really, moody, sexy’ look.
This place doesn’t look even a little bit cozy. I think your scheme is more of what I would have imagined for an LA bachlorette pad. Well done!
Blah! It doesn’t even look like someone lives there – it’s just a showroom. And you’re right, it does look like a bachelor pad. Your version is much better! You should send it to her agent. :)
This is not what I was expecting from Jennifer Aniston at all! It seriously does look like a bachelor pad or like Brad Pitt never moved out…I wish it were more feminine and serene.
MMmm… I am surprised at some of the comments….. I would love to be this “boring”…. If I could be that beautiful and always look the “same” .. in THAT way… I wouldn’t complain! The house is stunning…and I can totally picture her there…. I am glad SHE pictures herself there…since she is the person that purchased the house… of course it looks like a showroom..it was styled for a photo shoot! Kinda reminds me of Rachel Zoe’s house…. I personally love modern architecture…it is not for everyone..but clearly Ms. Jen likes it..and who are we to criticize! I can’t believe someone said “this isn’t Jennifer Aniston, I wish she could be herself more”… do you KNOW Jennifer Aniston…personally???? mmmmm…. oh well.. I guess everyone is entitled to thier opinion….
my 2 cents….
But I think that Gerard Butler would look HOT sitting on the sofa, stroking the flurry pillow. Purrrr…. He is so sexy, I can’t stand it.
Ewwww, it looks like Ron Burgundy lives there!
I agree with all of you- the view and indoor/outdoor living is AMAZING. But I am totally turned off by this space. It’s way too cold for me and for what I assume to be her more warm personality…. ??
I’m soo disappointed in her digs! While it’s fantastic as a bachelor pad, it’s not anything at all that in my opinion “looks” like her. Nothing I would ever want to live in, but a great design job nonetheless.
I dont like it :(…. I am with you, was expecting something so different…..
I just picked up this issue on the way home from LA and have to say I loved it, for her. The pictures on-line of her home feel cold and uninviting, but when you flip through the pages in your hand and read the story about how she was involved, why she chose the pieces she chose, etc., it’s design at its best – perfect for AD really. The fact that you can feel so differently about the same space from online v actual images gives me confidence that the world of magazine publishing will never cease to exist.
Also, I think it reflects her style perfectly. She’s always in clean lined, androgynous looks – never overly feminine. She’s a classic beauty – relying on everything natural and organic, just like her new home. And just back from LA, a great reflection of Californian style!
Thanks for sharing, Erin. ;) xx
We totally agree! We looked through AD at lunch yesterday and everyone was mystified as to why Jennifer would live like this. For someone who says she wants to get married and have children, there’s nothing warm and cozy about it.
- The Buzz -
This has man cave written all over it. Plus, very austere and cold. I don’t get a sense of personality at all. She claims in all her interviews to be a big homebody and I just can’t imagine kickin’ back in that place. No warmth. I mean, cool elements and all but not what I pictured for her at all.
I know you love Jennifer. But I really don’t feel like she has much style. She may be the nicest person ever, but I don’t see her as a style icon at all. I actually love the house! But I agree that the decor is way too masculine. I think it’s rare in design to see something that isn’t either too masculine or too feminine. I live with my husband and two boys, and I struggle with keeping my home boy friendly but also warm and cozy (and maybe a tiny bit pretty). I would love to see some design that is more of a blend of both. I actually think the Chicago town house was fairly balanced even though no guys lived there. Thanks for this blog, Erin!
Oh man, you’re totally right. It looks like a total bachelor pad. Also, it has a very distinct 60s-70s vibe that isn’t really her. I would definitely picture her in more of an elegant beach home with touches of eastern influences.
I’m completely disappointed with her house. I expected it to be much more girlie. Not a male bachelor pad! Maybe she is trying to attract a male by not doing anything girlie. It doesn’t seem to have any personality.
Erin, I agree with you – cold. But I love the space you put together. Care to share the resources?
This whole house just screams Brad Pitt. Maybe this is all part of her devious plan to snatch him back from the arms of Angie. Good luck with that.
Agreed – a cold, austere home. Not really what I expected from her. I was imagining more white, breezy open spaces.
Love your blog, love love love.
I said the same thing when I saw it… Crazy how boring it is. I don’t think I picture her as being super girly, but this just wasn’t that exciting.
Totes agree! I bought the issue because I was dying to see her pad… it’s so masculine. Not at all what I thought for her. It’s def chic and gorgeous, but just not what I expected.
I still love it!
I have to agree with the thoughts of the majority of the posters…..Not at all what I expected. Not very cozy, or feminine. I guess it just goes to show that the star persona can give off a different vibe than whats real.
This just shows that she is clearly… not okay (as much as she tries to tell us otherwise). I just wish she had found herself, before she did the remodel. And I hope she reads your blog… she could use your help!
I really couldnt beleive that a woman, any woman lived there… let alone Jen Aniston. I am a girl and I like masculine design, BUT i like it in a masculine meets feminine sexy way. Not that. I would imagine her living in a much better place than that. A woman sleeps in that bed? No way.
That is an incredibly masculine space — the kind of place I’d see Brad or Vince in long before Jen.
And I love the turquoise accents in your choices. Your mood board is still clean, modern and has some masculine elements, but it also feels lighter and more feminine.